07-21-2026
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University is expanding its undergraduate offerings with a new Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management (OBHRM), a business degree designed to prepare students to lead organizations by combining analytical business skills with expertise in people, leadership and organizational strategy.
The major is available in the Common App beginning in fall 2026 for students entering Purdue in fall 2027.
Our graduates won't simply manage people. They will understand how to use data, research and business strategy to build workplaces where employees and organizations succeed together.
Natalie Schneider OBHRM Assistant Professor
As organizations navigate rapid technological change, evolving workplace expectations and increasingly complex workforce challenges, demand is growing for graduates who understand both business strategy and human behavior. Purdue's new major addresses that need by preparing students to make evidence-based decisions that improve organizational performance while helping employees thrive.
"Organizations increasingly need leaders who understand both business acumen and people," says OBHRM Assistant Professor Lindsay Rosokha. "This major provides a strong business foundation with expertise in organizational behavior and human resources, preparing students to lead teams, positively impact employee well-being and drive organizational success."
Unlike traditional human resources programs, Purdue's Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management major is grounded in the Daniels School's comprehensive business curriculum. Students complete core coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, business communication, and strategy while developing expertise in organizational behavior, leadership, workforce planning, negotiations, employee recruitment, organizational culture and human resource analytics.
The program emphasizes research-driven, evidence-based approaches to solving workplace challenges, equipping graduates to strengthen organizations through informed decision-making and effective leadership.
"Our graduates won't simply manage people," says OBHRM Clinical Assistant Professor Natalie Schneider. "They will understand how to use data, research and business acumen to build workplaces where employees and organizations succeed together."
The curriculum was developed in response to employer demand and benchmarking against peer institutions. Daniels School faculty found strong market demand for graduates with both technical business knowledge and the interpersonal, leadership and communication skills increasingly sought by employers.
"People make the place," says OBHRM Associate Professor Brad Alge. "The major develops students who not only understand the technical aspects of business and are able to solve real business challenges, but also recognize the importance of people and culture to an organization's success."
Students will develop competencies in:
The program is designed for students who are passionate about business and interested in helping organizations create healthy, inclusive and high-performing workplaces. Graduates will be prepared for careers spanning human resources, consulting, organizational development and leadership.
Potential career paths include HR business partner, human capital consultant, HR analyst, talent acquisition specialist, organizational development consultant and employee relations specialist. With additional professional experience or graduate education, graduates can pursue leadership positions such as human resources manager, training and development manager, or compensation and benefits manager. Recent labor market data indicates a median advertised salary of approximately $90,500 across these career fields.
Students also will benefit from experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts with real organizational challenges. Through the Daniels School's Center for Working Well, students can collaborate with corporate partners to address workplace issues related to employee motivation, relationships and well-being.
The major develops students who not only understand the technical aspects of business and are able to solve real business challenges, but also recognize the importance of people and culture to an organization's success.
Brad Alge OBHRM Professor
"Students who want to learn more about the science of working well have an opportunity to engage with a corporate partner to tackle a live working-well challenge," says OBHRM Professor Allie Gabriel, director of the Center for Working Well. "It's one thing for students to read about workplace challenges. It's another to talk directly with employees and understand how they experience those issues every day."
Leadership development is another defining feature of the program.
"In my class, students don't just learn about leadership — they engage with it in the real world, where it is far more dynamic and complicated," says OBHRM Associate Professor Kate Zipay. "They learn from alumni, interview leaders, participate in leadership roundtables and create a comprehensive leadership journey project that helps them define the kind of leader they want to become."
The new major also creates a direct pathway to Purdue's highly regarded Master of Science in Human Resource Management program, allowing students to continue developing advanced expertise after earning their bachelor's degree.
Faculty say the program is particularly well positioned to address emerging workplace challenges, from hybrid work and employee well-being to leadership development and the integration of artificial intelligence into organizations.
"Today's organizations are facing growing challenges related to employee well-being, work-life flexibility, leadership development and the integration of AI into the workplace," Rosokha says. "Our students will be uniquely equipped to help organizations navigate these complex challenges by using evidence-based, research-backed approaches to support employees while also driving organizational performance."
The Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management major reflects the Daniels School's commitment to developing graduates who combine analytical rigor with leadership excellence.
"The Daniels School has a long tradition of producing HR talent through our master's program," Alge says. "With the addition of an undergraduate major, that tradition will continue to grow by creating career paths in human resources, consulting and organizational design and development. Through this major, students will have a real opportunity to make a difference in people's lives."
